Capacitors charged in parallel

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around capacitors charged in parallel, specifically focusing on two capacitors, C1 and C2, with given capacitances, charged by a battery before being reconnected in a different configuration.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the implications of connecting capacitors in series after charging them in parallel, questioning the resulting charge and polarization of the plates. There is also a discussion about the potential drop across capacitors in parallel versus series configurations.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively questioning the assumptions regarding the configuration of the capacitors and the effects of their connections. Some guidance has been offered regarding the nature of the connections, but there is no explicit consensus on the interpretation of the setup.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of a drawing that illustrates the charging process and the subsequent connections, which may not be clear to all participants. The discussion also touches on the potential drop across capacitors when charged in parallel.

L_landau
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Homework Statement


Capacitors C1 = 6.97 uF and C2 = 1.54 uF are charged as a parallel combination across a 281 V battery. The capacitors are disconnected from the battery and from each other. They are then connected positive plate to negative plate and negative plate to positive plate.
A) Calculate the resulting charge on capacitor C1.
B) Calculate the resulting charge on capacitor C2.

from this answer
http://www.chegg.com/homework-help/questions-and-answers/capacitors-c1-697-uf-c2-154-uf-charged-parallel-combination-across-281-v-battery-capacitor-q1385340

Homework Equations


Q = CΔV

The Attempt at a Solution


So q1 = 1.5x10-3c and q2 = 5x10-4c. Why would the drawing show opposite polarizations on the plates? Shouldn't the battery give the same potential drop across two capacitors in parallel?
 

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L_landau said:
from this answer
That answer is visible only to chegg members.
L_landau said:
Why would the drawing show opposite polarizations on the plates?
Because,
L_landau said:
They are then connected positive plate to negative plate and negative plate to positive plate.
 
But the picture is as they are charged and before they are connected positive to negative and vice-versa I thought?
 
L_landau said:
But the picture is as they are charged and before they are connected positive to negative and vice-versa I thought?
No. It is just after they are reconnected in series.

L_landau said:
Shouldn't the battery give the same potential drop across two capacitors in parallel?
That would be true when the capacitors were charging.
 

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